Not everyone in Florida might agree, however, with White House Budget Director Richard Darman's assessment of a plan that projects a $94.8 billion deficit for fiscal 1990.

In a 193-page blueprint titled ''Building For a Better America,'' there was good news for Florida - but there was bad news too.

On the down side, Bush is calling for a one-year freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for those who receive federal and military pensions.

Bush's better America also calls for a $5 billion cut in the projected growth rate of Medicare spending.

If those saving plans were approved - and a key Democratic leader vowed Thursday to fight them in Congress - the Medicare reductions would come from the money the government reimburses hospitals and doctors - not from recipients' medical benefits.

Rep. Craig James, R-DeLand, has complained that Reagan's proposal to spend $29.8 billion on veterans programs next fiscal year was inadequate. Bush is recommending even less - $29.5 billion.

As expected, the Bush budget would increase defense spending only to keep pace with inflation. Bush would allocate about $300 billion in actual spending for national defense, $2.6 billion less than Reagan proposed before leaving office. During the next four years, Bush would spend $30 billion less on defense than Reagan recommended.

On the positive side for Florida, Bush is a bit kinder and gentler to NASA. Bush is requesting almost $12.6 billion in actual spending for the space agency, a 22 percent increase from this fiscal year. He also promises to promote the White House science adviser and give that person greater access to the Oval Office.

In a move hailed by Florida lawmakers, Bush also declared off limits any oil exploration off the state's southwest coastline, in an area where offshore drilling could have affected the Everglades. Reagan's fiscal 1990 proposal had included revenue from the government leasing the area to oil companies.

When the new Congress convened last month, some members argued that an additional $1.7 billion was needed to fulfill the commitment of last year's sweeping anti-drug law. In his budget plan, Bush promises to spend $1 billion on the various programs called for in the law.

Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., said the Bush speech ''was a strong statement for Florida because of his commitment to fight drugs, to support our space program and to support a strong national defense. President Bush showed that he is sensitive to Florida's needs by calling for protection of our ocean and coastline from needless risks posed by offshore oil drilling.''

Darman, in a Thursday afternoon briefing for reporters, said programs not singled out for special treatment would be subject to a ''balanced freeze.'' Spending ceilings would be set for various program categories, he said, and it would be up to Congress and the administration to determine later which programs would be cut and by how much.

The Bush budget plan also includes incentives to encourage investment and to aid poor children.

The most ballyhooed proposal would reduce the capital-gains tax rate from 28 percent to 15 percent for investments held more than a year. Key congressional Democrats oppose that idea.